Good Budget Laptop for Video Editing – Top 3 Picks in 2025
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Last Updated: September 16, 2025
A good budget laptop for video editing should give you smooth performance without draining your savings. The challenge is finding one with enough power for editing timelines, exporting clips, and handling 1080p or even 4K projects.
👉 If you’re curious about higher-end options, check our breakdown of ASUS models built for smooth 4K editing.
💰 Check Price & Availability
View on Amazon – MSI Thin GF63 Gaming Laptop (Intel i5-12450H, RTX 2050, 8GB, 512GB SSD)
View on Amazon – Acer Aspire 3 Premium Laptop (Ryzen 5 7430U, 16GB, 512GB SSD)
View on Amazon – ASUS Vivobook 16 Laptop (Ryzen AI 7 350, 16GB, 1TB SSD)
📋 Quick-View Comparison
💻 MSI Thin GF63
⚡ Intel Core i5-12450H + NVIDIA RTX 2050 GPU
🧠 8GB RAM (upgradeable)
💾 512GB NVMe SSD
📺 15.6-inch FHD display, 144Hz refresh
🎬 Entry-level video editing with dedicated GPU
🔋 Around 4–5 hours of typical use
🎯 Best for editors who want a budget laptop with graphics card
⚠️ Limitations: 8GB RAM out of the box, limited battery life
💻 Acer Aspire 3 Premium
⚡ AMD Ryzen 5 7430U, integrated Radeon graphics
🧠 16GB RAM
💾 512GB SSD
📺 15.6-inch FHD display
🎬 Smooth performance for everyday editing and multitasking
🔋 About 6–7 hours of battery life
🎯 Best for students and creators who need budget friendly laptops
⚠️ Limitations: no dedicated GPU, not ideal for heavy effects
💻 ASUS Vivobook 16
⚡ AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 with XDNA NPU, Radeon graphics
🧠 16GB RAM
💾 1TB SSD
📺 16-inch WUXGA display
🎬 Larger screen and storage for light to moderate 4K projects
🔋 Around 5–6 hours of battery life
🎯 Best for editors looking for the best budget laptop for 4K video editing
⚠️ Limitations: bulkier design, less portable
🔍 Why Choosing the Right Budget Laptop Matters
Video editing is demanding. Without the right CPU, RAM, or graphics support, you’ll run into stutters and long export times. A carefully chosen laptop makes editing faster and keeps your workflow frustration-free.
🔍 Key Features to Look for in a Budget Video Editing Laptop
Aim for at least a mid-range processor, 16GB RAM, and SSD storage. A budget laptop with graphics card, like the MSI, speeds up rendering and playback. If you plan on editing 4K, storage becomes critical, and a laptop like the ASUS Vivobook with a 1TB SSD gives you the headroom to keep projects local.
🔍 Comparing Laptops for Editing in Different Scenarios
Students often prioritize battery life and portability. Freelancers value storage and RAM for bigger projects. Casual YouTubers can get by with integrated graphics, while creators working with effects or 4K footage will benefit from a dedicated GPU or higher-capacity setup.
👉 New to YouTube editing? Take a look at our guide to budget laptops that work well for creators on a tight budget.
📦 MSI Thin GF63 – Renter-Friendly Pick
The MSI Thin GF63 gives you gaming hardware on a budget, making it one of the few affordable options with a dedicated GPU. It handles 1080p edits and light 4K projects better than most entry-level machines. Just keep in mind the 8GB RAM is tight, so upgrading is almost a must.
👉 Want to organize your setup the right way? Check out our guide on avoiding common workspace mistakes.
📦 Acer Aspire 3 Premium – Easy Install Pick
The Acer Aspire 3 is the definition of a budget friendly laptop for editing. With Ryzen 5 power and 16GB RAM, it keeps everyday tasks and basic edits running smoothly. While it won’t crush heavy effects work, it’s reliable for students and creators who need value first.
📦 ASUS Vivobook 16 – Smart Upgrade Pick
The ASUS Vivobook 16 stretches the “budget” label but stays affordable compared to premium creator laptops. With a Ryzen AI 7 chip, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD, it’s a strong fit if you want to take on bigger projects or moderate 4K editing. The tradeoff is size—it’s less portable but makes up for it with screen space and storage.
👉 Moving your setup? Here’s how to reconnect your devices smoothly after a move.
📌 Key Takeaways
- Budget laptops can handle video editing with the right mix of CPU, RAM, and storage
- 16GB RAM and SSD space are essential for smoother workflows
- MSI is the graphics card option, Acer is the everyday budget pick, and ASUS is the upgrade for bigger 4K projects
🟢 FAQs
Q: Can I edit 4K videos on a budget laptop?
Yes, but it’s smoother with a dedicated GPU or 16GB of RAM.
Q: Do I need a graphics card for video editing?
Not for basic projects, but it speeds up rendering and effects work.
Q: Is 8GB RAM enough for editing?
It works for short edits, but 16GB makes a big difference in performance.
✅ Conclusion
The best budget laptop for video editing gives you the performance you need without overspending. The MSI Thin GF63 is great if you want a budget laptop with graphics card, the Acer Aspire 3 is a dependable all-rounder, and the ASUS Vivobook 16 is the smart upgrade for editors working on bigger 4K projects.
